Social Work Services for Rural Elderly Individuals in Poverty Due to Illness

During the period of poverty alleviation, approximately 40% of China’s impoverished population was affected by illness. Among them, elderly individuals in poverty due to illness accounted for around 70% of this demographic. Although the battle against poverty has concluded, the relative poverty caused by low health levels is expected to persist. As young labor continues to migrate to cities, rural elderly individuals find themselves engaged in more agricultural activities. Moreover, the aging process weakens organ functions, making them susceptible to diseases. Simultaneously, the imbalance in urban and rural development, coupled with the lack of awareness and weaker economic self-sufficiency among rural elderly, results in inadequate levels of elderly care and medical support in rural areas. Consequently, when rural elderly individuals fall ill, they are prone to life difficulties, becoming part of the relative poverty population. Implementing social work services for rural elderly individuals in poverty due to illness not only improves their quality of life but also contributes to addressing health-related relative poverty, highlighting social equity.